A decent tent is a good place to start. Your tent is the most important piece of camping gear you’ll need, and it’s worth spending money if you want something that’s going to last. A pop-up tent is great for erecting quickly but they can take time to fold back down, while inflatable tents are quick to set up but are heavy and require a pump. Go for a three-season tent if you’re unlikely to camp in the winter. I like a two-man tent, even for solo adventures, as the extra space is useful for your gear. Consider going one size up from what you might need – a decent height makes it more practical and allows you to kneel and change comfortably. 

Renting is also an option. If you don’t plan to camp often, consider borrowing a tent from a friend, or rent from Tent Share, which matches you up with people who own camping supplies. It has everything from tents for kids wanting to camp in the garden to curated camping packs.

Invest in your sleep. Camping is a basic experience and that’s what makes it so joyful – switching off, winding down and enjoying nature. However, having somewhere comfortable to lay your head at the end of the night can be the difference between a decent night’s sleep and no sleep at all. This could be a great camping mat or something with more structure like the Helinox Lite Cot, which folds down light and is easy to carry. A decent packable pillow is often overlooked – my go-to is the Nemo Fillo. 

Don’t forget the home comforts. The Jet Boil stove is a great piece of equipment – small, light, compact and easy to carry, it’s quick and easy enough to set up for a warm drink after a swim. A good cup of coffee in the morning always goes down well – I pack ground coffee and filters in a waterproof bag for my Aeropress Go. A spork (half spoon, half fork) is also useful, as is a pocketknife. I use the Victorinox Camper Swiss Army model. 

A dry bag is a useful piece of kit. I like to camp near open water, so dry bags are a must to keep tech, kit and maps dry, especially in bad weather and in condensation in the morning. You’d be surprised how much of a difference dry kit makes to the camping experience. 

If you’re into water adventures, try a RuckRaft. It’s a giant inflatable tow boat which can carry a full expedition pack (over 15kg) on water. It’s like a giant dry bag so you can swim with your tent, stove and all the essentials. I’ve had a few special camping experiences where I’ve swum out to an island with a camp then returned in the morning. There are some amazing campsites on the banks of rivers or the sides of lakes, so you could always try swimming to them. 

Safety should always come first. Always take a head torch (and spare batteries) – you don’t want the fun to be over when the sun sets. From a safety perspective, a head torch means you can see the ground and any obstacles clearly at night, but it also means you can stay entertained when the sun goes down – be that with a book or card game. A first aid kit is also essential – I pack the Halfords Essentials Compact First Aid Kit. 

You’ll need layers. Having something to keep you warm and insulated is a good idea for the mornings and evenings. Our bodywarmer is made from a lightweight, windproof nylon and lined with a recycled wool and polyester blend to keep you warm. A BUFF is also a great, simple and practical item to keep your head and neck warm. Don’t underestimate the comfort of Crocs, either. They’re easy to slide on, tough enough to walk on uneven ground, and make a nice change from hiking boots you’ve likely been wearing all day. 

Try to leave your campsite as you found it. Follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle – the idea being to leave the area you’ve camped as you found it, or better. Tidy up and take everything with you, including rubbish and any leftover food. 

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